No formal farewell was held, but fans arrived early to bid farewell to giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi.

No formal farewell was held, but fans arrived early to bid farewell to giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — Around 40 panda enthusiasts gathered at Zoo Negara early this morning to bid farewell to giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi. After residing at the zoo since May 2014, the beloved duo are now heading back to China, leaving behind a loyal group of Malaysian fans.

National
National

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — Around 40 panda enthusiasts gathered at Zoo Negara early this morning to bid farewell to giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi. After residing at the zoo since May 2014, the beloved duo are now heading back to China, leaving behind a loyal group of Malaysian fans.

While no official ceremony was held, The Star reported that devoted fans—some arriving as early as 5am—waited quietly as the pandas departed for KLIA at 7.15am. Many waved, snapped photos, and called out heartfelt goodbyes.

Zoo Negara Deputy President Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said caretaker Mohd Saiffullah Md Yusuf would accompany the pandas to China to assist with their transition, adding that both animals are in good health.

“I truly appreciate the fans who came. Even though it wasn’t an official farewell, their presence shows how much they care,” he told the English daily.

Fu Wa and Feng Yi have spent over a decade in Malaysia as part of the International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation. A new panda pair is expected to arrive in August following their departure.

Fu Wa, the giant male panda, is seen inside an enclosure during quarantine at Zoo Negara on April 24, 2025. — Photo by Firdaus Latif

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